Chelsea are prepared to make an €80million offer for Athletic Club winger Nico Williams next year, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes. The 24-year-old Spain international is also on the radar of Arsenal and Manchester United, who are reportedly willing to spend heavily too. However, Williams is believed to have a €90million release clause, so Chelsea’s valuation sits only slightly below his buy-out fee.
Four Premier League clubs are tracking AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, with Liverpool, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace all reportedly sending scouts to watch the Dutchman in action this week.
According to TEAMtalk, representatives from all four sides were at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday, where AZ lost 1-0 to Sunderland courtesy of a late Enzo Le Fée penalty. Smit started and impressed once again despite the defeat.
Reds monitoring Italy international’s progress in Florence
Liverpool have been credited with a long-standing interest in Fiorentina midfielder Cher Ndour, according to TEAMtalk, as the Anfield club continue their search for fresh options in the middle of the park.
The 22-year-old began his career at ASD San Giacomo before spells with Brescia and Atalanta, and later joined Benfica’s academy at just 16. He broke into the Portuguese club’s senior side in 2023, but allowed his contract to run down and subsequently signed for Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.
Arsenal’s search for a left-sided attacker rumbled on for much of the summer, with both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard departing the Emirates. Christos Tzolis arrived to fill part of that void, yet the Gunners were widely expected to land a second forward before the window shut.
United revive old transfer target
Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a fresh approach for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, according to Football Insider, as Michael Carrick looks to strengthen his back line.
The 24-year-old arrived on Merseyside from Carlisle United in 2020 and needed time to force his way into Everton’s first team, spending spells out on loan — including a productive stint at PSV Eindhoven — to sharpen his game before nailing down a regular starting berth at Goodison Park.